2002 Château Lynch-Bages
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Tasting notes
80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. Aged for 15 months in oak barrels (65% new). Red core with brick at the rim. Lively and juicy but simpler and easy in style. Herbaceous note on the nose. Lighter weight and slightly drying on the finish. Unlikely to gain further complexity. Luncheon claret to be enjoyed now. (JL)
Critic scores
Wine Spectator
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
The 2002 Lynch-Bages shows just a little bricking on the rim. The nose is initially reticent with earthy black fruit, cedar and tobacco, a bit conservative compared to its peers. The palate offers leafy black fruit mixed with sage and black pepper. This feels a little austere and a bit mean on the finish, though it will appeal to those seeking classic, old-school Bordeaux and who don’t want to cellar their wine. Tasted at the Lynch Bages vertical at the château.
The 2002 Lynch Bages has a savoury, rather leathery bouquet, perhaps with just a touch of brettanomyces? The palate is medium-bodied with slightly dry tannins, moderate depth, chewy with a minty finish. It’s just a bit gawky compared to recent vintages. Burly at the moment, bucolic. Tasted at the château.
Dark ruby in colour with soft russet on the edges, this still feels like a young wine, showcasing the slow progression of top Pauillac even in vintages that have less widespread acclaim. Campfire smoke, firm tannins, good acidities, plenty of spice, tobacco, dried fruit, saffran, this is edging towards tertiary now but remains well structured. 65% new oak.
About the producer
Ch. Lynch-Bages is one of the largest and best properties in Pauillac, in the Médoc. While officially classified as a Fifth Growth estate, it regularly competes with the First and Second Growths when it comes to quality and ageability.